feral kitten progress

Hi everyone,

I had posted not long ago about 2 feral kittens I took in- they were approx. 3 months old and got spayed. I wanted to post their progress. I moved them into the bathroom after they tested negative for FIV/FeLV. I was feeding them baby food off my finger and getting them to get on my lap. Neither of them wanted touched and 1 of them hissed all the time. Currently, I can lift them both off the ground quickly without them spazing out. I pick them up and put them on my lap with their food dish but they will jump off. They are both letting me pet them most of the time but it is on their own terms. The 1 doesn't hiss anymore. Both kittens are playing like crazy and were allowed out of the bathroom last night. They explored the house and ended up free roaming all night. Now they don't want to stay in the bathroom at all. They made friends with 1 of my male resident cats and get so excited when he's around (they follow him everywhere and rub against him). My other 2 cats aren't fond of them.

I put them back in the bathroom when I'm at work. When they are out and about and not in the tiny bathroom, they won't usually let me pet them. I am wondering if this is ok and I should let them explore and hang out in the rest of the apartment when I am home and then work on 1:1 attention with them when they are in the bathroom.

I can't believe in 3 weeks how much progress has been made. Both will purr when I pet them and put their tails up. They are definitely still nervous around humans but really seem to enjoy indoor life.

Hi tarra ! I am not up with your other threads and don't have time :lol3: to read them all to get up to speed BUT it sounds like things are progressing very, very well. I am thinking you are way ahead of the game here too!! :bigthumb: The fact that you can catch the two kittens to put them back in the bathroom while you are at work is really, really great - the fact that they allow you. I also think it is a very good idea to keep them in the bathroom while you are not at home and supervising them with your other kitties. Best to let your three resident cats know that they will get a break from the kittens everyday as well. You don't want to overwhelm your other three adult cats so stick to that plan for a good while. Not until they are completely trusting of you would I allow them to be free all the time. And, of course they hate the bathroom now... They have a taste of a new life outside of that little room but like all "fur"children, rules and boundaries are important mostly for their and your other cats safety.

The other issue that will slow down socialization is allowing semi-feral kittens or cats a larger space and more freedom so that the human interaction is really on them to decide and nine out of ten times, they will choose to run from you. In a smaller space, you can gently force yourself on them in a kind, loving manner to slowly build trust. It takes time.

The next step option (as opposed to keeping them in the bathroom while you are at work) would be to set up a large cage to confine the kittens while you are gone. That way the your other two cats, whom are not so fond of them, may feel more comfortable and confident to approach the cage when you are not around to investigate the little monsters. It may sound farfetched but it has worked for me this way. A safe way to do formal introductions. This way the "strangers" can feel more at ease to meet without being able to get physical or too close and can proceed on their own terms.

Keep up the great work !!!!!!!!!!!!! And, thank you SO much for rescuing these babies.

tarralb said:

 When they are out and about and not in the tiny bathroom, they won't usually let me pet them. I am wondering if this is ok and I should let them explore and hang out in the rest of the apartment when I am home and then work on 1:1 attention with them when they are in the bathroom.

Click to expand...

I think it is because they are somewhat tensed up, when they are in the big flat.  being more at ease inside this bathroom, which is their safe area.

I agree with Feralvr you had done much, and they had developed nicely and continue to develop.  this they let you catch them to bring them back into their bathroom is quite telling.  

work with them 1:1, one at a time?  yeah this may be a good idea.

Good luck!

Wanted to post an update! I decided to keep this 2 girls and have had them now since February 6th. They are an amazing addition to my household. All of my cats like them and they LOVE my other cats. Sabrina is INSANELY sweet and meows constantly for attention and loves being near me. She had her first real vet appointment yesterday and was excellent. Salem is now coming up to me on her own terms and gets up on the bed and lays next to me. Both girls sleep with me. I am so thankful I rescued them and despite what websites say about not trying to socialize at 3 months, it worked out and they are 2 happy and playful girls!

That's great news! I get frustrated at web sites, including ones specializing in ferals, and vet techs who suggest that it's either impossible or nearly impossible to socialize a feral beyond 2-3 months of age. Each feral is different. There are some true, adult ferals who need to be left outside because captivity for them is too stressful. There are others who adjust and are happy inside. There are others who will spend some time inside on cold days but scratch at the doors to go outside in warmer weather. You never know until you take them in and give it a try.

That is such good news - and kudos to you for your patience and kindness.  Lucky little kitties!!!